Oat fertilizer recommendations

We base nitrogen (N) fertilizer guidelines can on the results of the soil (NO₃^--N) test or the consideration of the combination of expected yield, previous crop, and soil organic matter content. The soil nitrate test is appropriate for western Minnesota (see Figure 1).

This is the equation for fertilizer N guidelines with the soil nitrate test.

N_rec = (1.3) (EY) - STN_{(0-24 in.)} - N_Pc

Where:

EY = expected yield (lb./acre)

STN = nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃^--N) measured to a depth of 24 in. (lb./acre)

N_pc = amount of N supplied by the previous legume crop (lb./acre).

Table 1 lists the N fertilizer guidelines for situations where the soil NO₃^--N test is not used. Apply the suggested rate of N fertilizer before planting. All sources of fertilizer should have an equal effect on yield.

Nitrogen, when needed, can come from several sources. If applied in a way to prevent loss, all sources of nitrogen have an equal effect on yield. When using either dry or liquid sources, the fertilizer N can be broadcast and incorporated before planting. If anhydrous ammonia is the preferred source, knife in the fertilizer before planting.
 

* low = less than 3.0%; medium and high = 3.0% or more.

Use these recommendations for oat production when the soil NO₃^--N test isn’t used.

Crops in Group 1:

Alsike clover, birdsfoot trefoil, grass/legume hay, grass legume pasture, fallow and red clover.

Crops in Group 2:

Barley, buckwheat, canola, corn, grass hay, grass pasture, oat, potato, rye, sorghum-sudan, sugarbeet, sunflower, sweet corn, triticale and wheat.

Use one of the following equations if you want a phosphate guideline for a specific soil test and a specific expected yield:

P₂O₅ rec = [0.644 - (0.032) (Bray P in ppm)] (Expected yield)

P₂O₅ rec = [0.644 - (0.041) (Olsen P in ppm)] (Expected yield)

Use the following equations if you want a potash guideline for a specific soil test and a specific expected yield:

K₂O rec = [1.2773 - (0.0086) (Soil test K in ppm)] (Expected yield)

Except for the need for sulfur (S) when this crop is grown on sandy soils, other nutrients are not needed in a fertilizer program. For production on sandy soils, either use 10-12 lb. S/acre with the drill at planting or broadcast 25 lb. S/acre and incorporate before planting.